Getting my feet under me...

It's a bright shiny morning here at the FNU Lautoka Campus!  I mean exceptionally bright and really hot already at 8:00am.  I realized this morning that everything I did and said yesterday after about noon was likely really interesting for the people around me.  Jet lag this time just made me really dumb!  I can't even really remember writing the last post... or how I managed to destroy everything online as it happened. Somehow I made it to my room and crashed  by 6:00pm. Sangeeta and Dropati, my ECE colleagues, looked a little guilty leaving me last night... and now I realize why.  I think I must have looked so helpless and pathetic when they left.

BUT, today is a better day!  Last night, prompted by the joint barking of every single dog in Lautoka I woke up about every hour.  They had LOTS to say! Also, I can report that although I haven't seen a single chicken since I arrived, there are at least 1 million roosters in Fiji and they all wake up at 3:00am.  Being a crazy chicken lady I have to admit I actually liked it.  I got the giggles at about 4:30 when the rooster choir was joined by the canine choir and then... that woke up the rest of the birds.  I feel like animals out number people here by like 10 to 1.  I know, I know, it's the same ratio in Wyoming.  But let me just say that at least pronghorn are quiet.

Here are some pics from yesterday!  Sangeeta, my amazing host, my name on my office door, delicious Indian brunch made by Sangeeta, and a surprise welcome afternoon tea with non-traditional students.

The palm tree outside my window,  Kids from the campus play group, and Sangeeta, Dropati and I at the first of my welcome events. Everybody gave a speech. Based on my experiences yesterday I think I should be good at giving speeches by the time I leave.  

Here's my lovely office.

The thoughtful welcome cards I received every time I went somewhere yesterday.

This morning there is a welcome reception with all of the department heads where, you guessed it, I will be giving a speech.  Then I will finish touring campus, head into town to figure out how to get money, and I'm sure eat some more amazing food.  I have a great feeling about this place.  It's so good to be here!